AN HISTORIC agreement between China and Essex to boost trade links capped off a high-profile business campaign that will see the county's business leaders heading to Downing Street.
Li Xueyong, governor of Jiangsu Province, was at County Hall on Friday for the signing of the official partnership between Jiangsu and Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
Essex County Council deputy leader Councillor Kevin Bentley said: "Li Xueyong is the most senior politician in the Jiangsu Province and he does not often travel overseas.
"The fact that he came to Essex is testament to how importantly he views our county and our special relationship which has been built up over the past 25 years.
"There are 80 million people in Jiangsu and they view Essex as one of the foremost places to do trade in the world.
"There are lots of companies in Jiangsu Province which want to branch out and open offices in Essex, and we have lots of businesses ready to go into China."
The East of England-Jiangsu Joint Committee Agreement will see members meeting once a year to arrange joint projects between Jiangsu and the three counties, focusing on trade, investment, education, culture and tourism.
Friday's agreement was the pinnacle of Essex Means Business week, run by Essex County Council in partnership with the Essex Chronicle.
It went so well that a delegation to 10 Downing Street is being planned to show Prime Minister David Cameron what the county has to offer.
Cllr Bentley said he was working with Witham MP and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Priti Patel to make the visit happen.
"The Essex Means Business campaign was a tremendous success," he said. "A group of councillors, including myself, visited many different companies from different sectors all over the county and we were so impressed, once again, with the incredible diversity of Essex businesses."
The week also saw councillors visiting a selection of companies from across the county to highlight their diversity and achievements. There was also a push for apprenticeship schemes and training to make sure that the future generations have the necessary skills to drive the Essex business community forwards.
"Essex Means Business is about much more than just a week of campaigning," Cllr Bentley added.
"It will continue long into the future and the Downing Street visit is just one example of that.
"I am grateful to the Essex Chronicle for their coverage and continued support in always promoting Essex businesses."
To find out more about Essex Means Business, visit www.essex.gov.uk or follow #EssexMeansBusiness
